A/HRC/11/29 Page 12 51. The United Arab Emirates noted Jordan’s increasing intention to the promotion of children’s rights at legislative and institutional levels, the accession to CRC and its optional protocols, the establishment of institutions and a national plan of action, the programmes for the care and protection of children in the public and private sectors and the awareness-raising campaigns. It recommended Jordan (a) pursue its efforts aimed at the promotion of the rights of the child in addition to the implementation of the national plan for children; (b) consider the inclusion of human rights in school curricula. 52. Concerning torture, Jordan acknowledges that there are gaps in this field, but the reports that are circulating are exaggerated and do not reflect the facts on the ground. No country can pretend to eliminate this phenomenon completely, but in Jordan there is a political will to deal comprehensively with the issue of torture and to tackle individual cases and impunity in a serious manner. There is political supervision and a follow-up of all cases: anybody responsible for illtreatment or torture is prosecuted. The statement of the Special Rapporteur on torture, Mr. Nowak, that “torture is widespread” is not true, and subsequently he withdrew the statement he had made earlier in this connection. 53. Jordan has embarked on a wide-ranging programme to combat torture, including training courses, workshops and seminars. Courses, workshops and seminars for law enforcement personnel are held every month under the supervision of the National Centre for Human Rights. About 400 officers have graduated from these courses in the past year alone. 54. Many agreements have been signed with local and international agencies, including with Austria and the European Union, in order to develop rehabilitation centres, including for victims of torture. 55. Al Jafer prison has been closed and many other measures have been taken in accordance with international principles on the way of dealing with prisoners. There are frequent visits by Human Rights Watch and by various human rights agencies to detention and rehabilitation facilities. 56. Many issues were raised regarding women. Concerning honour crimes, Jordan stated that the law has been amended and there is no such thing as “honour crimes” in Jordanian law. Criminal acts committed in the heat of passion are also declining owing to a collective effort, especially by parliamentarians and members of the Royal Family, to raise awareness. The amendment of the law and the increase in punishment testify to the huge progress achieved. 57. Jordanian society is based on the teaching of Islam, which organises civil matters in accordance with the Sharia norms which regulate marriage and inheritance. The provisions of the Sharia are suitable to protect the rights of women and to promote their status. These norms are accepted by the people themselves and adhered to voluntarily 58. Although Jordanian law does not confer the Jordanian nationality on children of a Jordanian mother married to a non-Jordanian, it nonetheless ensures that the husband and the children acquire a residence permit. It should be noted that approximately 50 per cent of the population in Jordan is from a country under occupation. No country agrees to undermine its own national identity. Jordan also protects Palestinian rights this way 59. As for the protection of the family, the Civil Code has been amended and Jordanian women can now enjoy equal rights. The Government has withdrawn its reservation to article 15 (4) of CEDAW. The law on domestic violence has been enacted and there are many policies and